Happy reunion for dogs, owners after stolen dog-walker's van found

The eight-year-old Shih Tzu-Japanese Chin mix is one of 16 pet canines that went missing after a dog walker’s panel van was stolen in the Fort York Blvd. and Bathurst St. area around 11 a.m. Friday.

A search by Toronto Police — and a desperate one conducted by the dogs’ owners, as well — commenced almost immediately and went on throughout the harrowing day and evening.

Then, around 8 p.m., the van — with dogs inside, safe and sound — was spotted by three rail workers as it sat at the rear of a Queens Quay E. industrial building.

“They just found them, I can’t believe it!” an excited O’Toole said shortly after hearing the news. “The police were looking downtown while we’re looking in the outskirts of downtown (and) I burst into tears. We were screaming!”

Some owners showed up to the van scene to pick up their furry loved ones, while others went to 14 Division.